Youkilis Deported from the Nation

Kevin Youkilis has been a key part of the Red Sox lineup for years and has been a fan favorite. It all seemingly changed this year. Youkilis has not been having a good season which has been plagued by injuries and slumps. Bobby V's early season criticism of him didn't seem to have helped things but instead set the tone. While a player is slumping, the last thing that player wants is someone else coming in and doing a better job. That's Will Middelbrooks with a batting average of .326 and an OBP of .365. Middlebrooks has played about the same number of games as Youkilis and has done better across the board.

So what happens? The obvious happens and Youkilis gets traded. He'll still be a Sox, just a White Sox. Kevin Youkilis has been traded to the White Sox for pitcher Zach Stewart and 1st baseman Brent Lillibridge. The White Sox have been worse at 3B as a collective and hope that Kevin Youkilis will help the team. Youkilis' time with the Red Sox is over after two World Series titles (most notably 2007) and this last game with the Red Sox today where he went 2 for 4 including an RBI triple.

I'm sad to see Youkilis go but wish him well. It's been fun to see that unique approach at the plate and his great AB's. Unfortunately he has been slumping and getting hurt plus he's getting up there in age. All players must get replaced eventually. Will Middlebrooks seems like a good choice right now. Here's hoping Will does just as well as Youk has.